Airport commissioner would like reappointment but mayor undecided

NEW BEDFORD — Airport Commissioner Michael Knabbe's appointment ended in December but he said he would like to continue in the position.

AUDITI GUHA

NEW BEDFORD — Airport Commissioner Michael Knabbe's appointment ended in December but he said he would like to continue in the position.

"I would happily serve reappointed or at will," Knabbe said. "I feel I do a good job and my goal is to keep working with my colleagues in moving the airport forward."

Knabbe was appointed to the New Bedford Regional Airport Commission by then-Mayor Scott Lang in March 2006 and his five-year term expired in December 2011. Knabbe is Lang's brother-in-law.

"I have nothing but respect for both mayors," he said.

Mayor Jon Mitchell, who appointed a couple of members to the board last year, recently said he has not yet made a decision on Knabbe's position but is "exploring candidates."

Lang said he did not reappoint anyone last minute because he wanted to leave new appointees to the new mayor's discretion. He spoke highly of Knabbe's qualifications.

"He's very dedicated, he's worked hard and he's also a pilot, so I think he was a good choice," he said. "My philosophy is let's appoint the best people."

Mitchell echoed this earlier in the month.

A pilot for 20 years and one of two people on the board with aviation experience as required by city ordinance, Knabbe said he brings an important perspective to the commission, a view the City Council shares.

"It's very important to have somebody on the board with a pilot's perspective and knowledge of operations," he said.

Earlier this month, the City Council forwarded letters to the mayor from aviation industry heads in support of Knabbe's appointment. It is also discussing whether at least one member of the nine-member board be a pilot to ensure pilot concerns as discussions of future airport plans are negotiated.

According to Paul Barton, chairman of the Airport Commission, state law requires airport commissions have at least one member with aeronautical experience of some sort but not necessarily a pilot.

The city ordinance requires two members on the board.

Mitchell, who is in Germany examining that country's wind turbine issue, did not respond by late Wednesday to a request for comment through his press spokesman.

Earlier this month, he said the council insisting there be a pilot on the commission could really narrow the field as he is hard pressed to find many qualified pilots in the city.